Manhattan (1979)

Brief Intro

Manhattan, directed by Woody Allen and released in 1979, is a romantic comedy-drama that paints a complex portrait of relationships and existential musings in New York City. The film stars Woody Allen himself, Diane Keaton, and Mariel Hemingway, exploring the intertwined lives of its characters amidst the bustling backdrop of Manhattan. Shot in black-and-white and accompanied by a timeless Gershwin score, the movie is celebrated for its wit, poignancy, and visual elegance. 🎬🗽

Literary Devices Used in Manhattan

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Opening monologue describing New York City	The city is depicted as a living, breathing entity.
Isaac’s relationships	Compared to complex dances, highlighting their dynamics.

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Isaac criticizing his ex-wife’s book	Later decides to write his own book, embodying hypocrisy.
Isaac’s romantic ideals vs. actions	Often acts contrary to his own beliefs about love.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Black-and-white cinematography	Symbolizes nostalgia and the complexity of life.
Isaac’s fascination with younger women	Reflects his fear of aging and desire for vitality.

Satire

Movie Scene	Device Example
Intellectual discussions at parties	Pokes fun at the pretentiousness of the Manhattan elite.
Isaac’s neurotic behavior	Exaggerates to highlight societal obsessions and flaws.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Tracy’s early dialogue about future aspirations	Hints at her eventual departure for London.
Isaac’s dismissive attitude towards Mary initially	Suggests their later romantic involvement.

Hyperbole

Movie Scene	Device Example
Isaac’s descriptions of New York	Over-the-top adoration of the city’s charm and chaos.
Characters’ reactions to personal dramas	Intensely dramatic to underscore their emotional states.

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
References to classic literature	Reflects characters’ intellectual backgrounds.
Gershwin’s music	Evokes a sense of timeless New York sophistication.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Contrasting New York City landscapes	Highlights the city’s diversity and paradoxes.
Isaac’s romantic interests: Tracy vs. Mary	Showcases differing dynamics and his internal conflict.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Recurring references to art and culture	Illustrates the characters’ intellectual environment.
Frequent walks through the city	Represents the journey and search for meaning.

Paradox

Movie Scene	Device Example
Isaac’s pursuit of happiness vs. his actions	Engages in behaviors that sabotage his own happiness.
Relationships depicted as both fulfilling and destructive	Highlights the complexity of human connections.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Isaac Davis

Device	Explanation
Irony	Isaac’s idealism often clashes with his flawed actions, revealing his complexities.
Juxtaposition	His relationships with Tracy and Mary contrast to show his internal struggles.

Tracy

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Represents youth, innocence, and genuine affection.
Foreshadowing	Her aspirations hint at her inevitable departure, marking her growth.

Mary Wilkie

Device	Explanation
Allusion	References to art and literature reflect her intellectual depth.
Satire	Her self-critical nature pokes fun at her pretentiousness and insecurities.

Character Dynamics

The interactions between Isaac, Tracy, and Mary drive the narrative by highlighting contrasting ideals and personal growth. Isaac’s relationship with Tracy reveals his yearning for purity and simplicity, while his involvement with Mary uncovers his deeper, often hypocritical intellectual desires. These dynamics enrich the storyline, making the audience ponder over the nature of love and self-discovery. ❤️✨

Thematic Analysis

Identity and Self-Discovery

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	The city as a metaphor for identity—constantly evolving and multifaceted.
Hyperbole	Characters’ exaggerated actions underscore their quest for self-understanding.

The Complexity of Relationships

Device	Explanation
Paradox	Relationships are depicted as both fulfilling and destructive, highlighting their complexity.
Juxtaposition	Different relationship dynamics emphasize the varying facets of love and conflict.

Nostalgia and Modernity

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Black-and-white imagery evokes nostalgia, contrasting with the modern dilemmas faced by the characters.
Allusion	References to classical works bridge the past and present, reflecting characters’ struggles with change.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Black-and-white cinematography	Evokes nostalgia and highlights the emotional complexity of scenes.
Allusion	Gershwin’s orchestral score	Enhances the timeless atmosphere and underscores the characters’ cultural milieu.
Juxtaposition	Contrasting cityscapes	Visual contrasts between different parts of New York underscore the city’s diversity and paradoxes.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

Opening Montage

• Link: Opening Scene – Manhattan (1979)
• Breakdown: The black-and-white cinematography, coupled with Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” sets the nostalgic tone. The montage presents New York City as a living character, using metaphor and symbolism to reflect the film’s themes.

Isaac and Tracy’s Goodbye

• Link: Isaac and Tracy Goodbye Scene
• Breakdown: This emotional farewell employs foreshadowing and symbolism. Tracy’s departure represents both the end of innocence and the inevitability of change, encapsulated in her optimistic outlook on life.

Conclusion

To wrap up this guide, let’s test your understanding with an interactive quiz!

Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz:

1. What literary device is used when Isaac describes New York City as a living, breathing entity?
   • A) Irony
   • B) Metaphor
   • C) Hyperbole
2. How is the theme of self-discovery highlighted through the film’s cinematography?
   • A) Color symbolism
   • B) Black-and-white imagery
   • C) Juxtaposition
3. Which character is primarily associated with innocence and genuine affection?
   • A) Mary Wilkie
   • B) Tracy
   • C) Isaac Davis
4. What device is evident when Isaac criticizes his ex-wife’s book but later decides to write his own?
   • A) Satire
   • B) Irony
   • C) Paradox
5. Which musical element enhances the timeless atmosphere of the film?
   • A) Contemporary pop songs
   • B) Gershwin’s orchestral score
   • C) Silence

Answers:

1. B
2. B
3. B
4. B
5. B